To ring in the fall season, members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church this weekend host their biannual Augusta Greek festival to invite all to enjoy great authentic Greek food.
With delicious Greek pastries, like traditional Baklava and chocolate Koke, made by those a part of the Greek community, and authentic Gyros – there is something everyone can enjoy.
According to Michelle Ennis, festival chairwoman, the festival opens the doors for the community to partake and learn about Greek culture and traditions by introducing patrons to new foods, music and cultural icons. Menu items include: gyros, lamb sandwiches, salads, orzo and pastitsio.
“It’s wonderful to see so many children and families here,” said attendee Jessica Brannam. “Sometimes people never get exposed to these different things, so it’s nice to have these festivals.”
For new vendors, Nikolai and Kim Kalogeras, selling Grecian wine at the event allowed them to educate people on their country’s specialty goods.
“Greek wine is stronger, and because the climate and weather we have there changes the way the grapes taste,” said Nikolai Kalogeras.
For longtime volunteer Anissa Pappas, the festival is a chance to get to know others within the community.
“I love getting to meet all the different people that come through,” she said. “It’s fun to visit with everybody.”
Although she was raised in a Baptist church, Pappas said she vastly appreciates her husband’s culture and fellow Greek members.
“It’s just a blast,” she said. “A lot of it is just culture and understanding a lot of different beliefs and traditions, and food of course brings everyone to the table, which is a big plus.”
Festival goers can also tour the historical Orthodox Church at different times throughout the event. Tour times are available on Saturday at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. following service at 10 a.m.
“It’s just a big tradition here and I hope they never stop,” said participant Megan Thompson. “It brings people together, it’s good for the community and we get to celebrate another culture.”
Many attending on Friday said they worked nearby and came solely to chow down on the delicious Greek cooking.
“We work just down the road and we always come down and enjoy the food and the music,” said attendee Marie Jenkins. “I just love the camaraderie of coming out.”
The festival is held at the church, 953 Telfair St., and continues through the weekend, running Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Greek musicians, Nick Demos and Greek Islanders, will also perform throughout the event Saturday and Sunday.
